The City of Ottawa has temporarily closed Lalande Conservation Park in Orléans and increased safety measures after a reported coyote attack in the area.
The city said the closure, which took effect Tuesday, will allow city staff to advance response efforts in coordination with provincial authorities and wildlife experts as officials look for different options for managing the situation.
The move comes days after the reported attack of a 14-year-old boy by three coyotes in the park . The park is located near Nantes Street and Portobello Boulevard.
The city said trail cameras will be installed in the area, while bylaw officers are advising residents to avoid the park and surrounding green space until further notice.
City officials said relocation options had been reviewed earlier but are restricted under Ontario’s wildlife regulations. The municipality is now in discussions with the provincial government about whether exemptions could allow coyotes to be relocated.
At the same time, staff said it is preparing contingency plans should relocation not be approved.
“Protecting public safety remains the City’s priority as it responds to a complex situation in a residential area where people, pets and wildlife are in close proximity,” the city said.
Residents are being urged not to approach or attack coyotes and to report concerning behaviour through 3-1-1. The city said the park will remain closed until response operations are complete.
